On the state of Science in the US

On the way back from the coast, we stopped at OMSI (the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), and while it was somewhat enjoyable, I couldn't help but have the same reaction as the last time I visited the Seattle Science Center.  These places tend to be stuck in presenting elementary school level 1980's "bubbles and cool lights" science. 

I realize times are tight, but I wonder how much of this is reflected in the generally dismal science knowledge of US citizens?  If people think that a high-school chemistry class and a bi-annual trip to the local "science center" means that they should be "Science-savvy", I have bad news.  I saw nothing at OMSI (or Seattle Science Center last time I was there) that mentioned any of the exciting recent developments in quantum or particle physics, or even what these sciences are, let alone the more traditional sciences.  There was a slight nod to very basic mathematics, but the 'astronomy' consisted of a planetarium giving a few overpriced and superfluous gee-whiz shows that are long on special effects but woefully short on science.

The latter brings to mind another gripe I have -- for the sub-par science offered, the prices are exorbitant.  Twelve dollars apiece for anyone over 13 to see the main exhibits (about a quarter of which are broken or hopelessly infantile) and an additional $3.00  to park in the museum lot.  Add to that $6-$7 each for IMAX movies, planetarium presentations, etc. and you are talking significant dollars for not much educational value.

How about some educational opportunities for adults with more than a cable TV education about science?  I would love to hear a college-level lecture on the latest developments in any of the physics or chemistry branches.   Maybe the general public wouldn't be so quick to swallow the endless Internet tripe about black holes being spontaneously created by the super-collider or climate change not 'being real' if they knew how science actually works  and were not dependent upon some idiot Senator from Oklahoma waving around a list of TV weather personalities as dissenting 'experts'??